ONE DISH: Roslindale Village Savor the Square toasts local restaurants

Thursday

Sep 21, 2017 at 5:43 AM

Julie M. Cohen jcohen@wickedlocal.com

Samosas or sushi? Burgers or veal saltimbocca? Souvlaki or buttermilk biscuits and gravy? The restaurant choices in Roslindale are impressive and indecisive diners have long faced a dilemma when trying to figure out where to eat.

However, Roslindale Village Main Street has come up with a solution so food aficionados can have their cake and eat it, too: Savor the Square.

The upcoming Sept. 28 extravaganza (formerly called Taste of Roslindale) will give attendees the chance to chow down on favorite dishes while trying samples from eateries where they have yet to dine, all while raising funds for RVMS, a nonprofit that promotes Roslindale Village.

In addition, there will be a silent auction and several live music performances throughout the evening.

The Transcript and Tab recently spoke with RVMS executive director Alia Hamada Forrest by email about the upcoming event.

Why did Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS) decide to change the name of Taste of Roslindale to Savor the Square?

RVMS and other Main Street organizations have been putting on “Taste ofs” for over 15 years. We thought it was good time for a fresh new look and feel to the event. Additionally, this event will have more of a food fest atmosphere and Savor the Square will be more mingling and snacking instead of sitting at tables.

Which dishes are you most excited to try by first-time participants?

While I don’t know what Jamaica Mi Hungry plans on serving quite yet, I am a big fan of Caribbean food. Whenever their food truck has joined our community at the Farmers Market or the Roslindale Business Group Fall Fest, I’ve enjoyed their jerk chicken and sweet plantains. I’m also excited to hear what 753 South chooses to showcase — they’ve been such a wonderful addition to the Square! I’m hoping for the goat cheese & polenta Twinkie!

What is a good strategy on how to tackle the event for people coming for the first time?

I’d say take it slow and savor the tastes our neighborhood has to offer. Mingle at the photo booth or at the silent auction — this event is a great opportunity to meet other new (as well as long-time) Rozzidents.

Savor the Square is a fundraiser for RVMS. How much is RVMS hoping to raise this year and what will you do with the funds?

We’re looking to raise $20,000 for RVMS committee projects and programs. This includes new potential projects like lighting up Alexander the Great Park, planters for Village Market, bright way-finding signage for folks who don’t know we have a free municipal parking lot on Taft Hill. Our committees are currently putting together their goals for 2018, and the projects I note here are just some of our ideas.

We’re also in the beginning stages of planning our 2nd Annual Holiday Market (save the date: Thursday, Dec. 7), so we’ll use these funds for to make that event successful, as well.

If someone is unable to come to Savor the Square, how else can they contribute to RVMS?

If you can’t attend Savor the Square, it’s important to us that you patronize your local restaurants and retailers throughout the holiday season. This is a key time to shop locally. Additionally, we are holding a Volunteer Orientation on Wednesday, Oct. 3 — and if folks are interested in volunteering and being more involved with RVMS, this is a great opportunity to learn more.

More information

Savor the Square will take place on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 6-9 p.m. at St. Nectarios Hall, 39 Belgrade Ave., Roslindale. Ticket packages range from $20 - $200. To get more information on the event, visit http://roslindale.net/annual-programs/savor-the-square/.